Dyson V8

With much regret I would like to share the bad experience me & my family friends had with this Dyson vacuum machine for several times with 4 of our vacuum. After purchasing brand new unit approximately within 2 or 3 months the unit stopped working. And once contacted Dyson it appeared that the battery became faulty. Surprisingly same thing… Read more

happened to three units of my family and one unit of my family friends. It's such disgusting experience within few months of buying a brand new machine. I have to acknowledge Customer support team was 100% supportive every time contacted. After trying out few troubleshooting on phone or facebook messenger they immediately ordered the replacement battery free of charge and we received battery within few days. Even after a week or so they were checking on me if all good then. Very very professional after sales support. Also need to mention, after the battery first time replacement the device is alright for 3, 4, 5 years no issues after. But I thought my fellow Australian should know about this matter about Dyson vacuum so they can think twice before making a decision to buy the new vacuum. I seriously think Dyson should run a survey with all the customers to go deep into this trouble that thousands of Australian are facing.

For health reasons, if you have allergies, this vac is colossal. With a special turquoise HEPA filter (outperforming Dyson purple filters!) it captures even more particles on a microscopic level -- 99.7% of them (down to 0.1 microns!) This could be allergens such as fine dust, pollen, mites or pet dander. It then puts out HEPA filtered air. The… Read more ·  1

greatest reason, however, is if your home has little or no carpet, the Dyson V8 Absolute is especially for you. The soft fluffy roller head is love at first sight; designed exclusively for capturing more fine dust / larger debris on hard floors (wood, tiles etc) it also better protects them with its nylon roller and glides along floors effortlessly. Be sure to show it some love when cleaning to optimise performance (see the feature review for more info; video coming soon!) Offering all a standard V8 offers (premium power, a doddle to to use and also a handheld), its also great for pets and has an anti tangle comb on the floor head (motorbar), usable on all surfaces. There's lots of attachments, including a mini screw tool for your car etc. You can read more about the standard V8 or Absolute in the full length review below, but in summary, this featherweight vac is an absolute, next level ripper.

See the V8 Absolute in action on hard floors here: https://youtube.com/shorts/OMzFLoQmR_o?si=llXRgol1HvnUwm0U

See the V8 Absolute in Max power mode VS long hair strands here: https://youtube.com/shorts/oyZ76JPPXgA?si=LiV613ZyMSWJlEay

FEATURE REVIEW

So, the Dyson V8 Absolute.

With a new look in recent years, and with a few changes, Dyson are keen to remain king of the compact cordless vacuum world. Let's take another spin on it, however; are these differences noticeable? And if we are critical, is this Dyson really all that? I mean, let's really go there for all you naysayers out there; K Mart are selling cordless vacs for next to nothing, right? So is it really worth the extra dosh?? All these questions and more to come...

Why buy Dyson?

Dyson technology--from the searing cyclonic suction power to the child's play ease of use--is beyond well known, it's world famous. The brand is synonymous with performance and value, listening to its loyal customers and offering a solid 2 year warranty on parts and labour. While it's not good to see chains going out of business, the reluctance of Godfrey's to sell Dyson cordless vacuums tells you something about how customer tastes are shifting. This is also part of the reason why Dyson ceased operations of corded vacuums in 2018.

Are Dyson's worth the price?

Ultimately, we all want the best deal. It's simple, really; the best brands will be pricier. A cleaner might use a K Mart vacuum and do the best job ever; but if you paid for the clean, it won't have HEPA filters to tackle allergens and keep your family and your home healthier. Also, the cleaner will have many more tangles to sort out if you have pets. On the other hand, the V8 has a top grade HEPA filter and the motorbar and anti screw tool untangle hair for you; its not just a vacuum. It's a Dyson. Crucially, the key is to judge price from a value perspective. Dyson V8s are big sellers, and you have some security with the 2 year parts and labour warranty. So the smarter choice is to buy the best value product rather than the cheapest; anything else is a false economy. For health reasons, we would also suggest the V8 Absolute is a good investment; more on that later.

Do Dyson's stand the test of time?

Regarding longevity, the V8 digital motor is built to last, with over 188,800 hours of development, a total of 500,000 testing hours and 290 miles pushed during testing. Tested to breaking point, the confidence both Dyson and the returning customer have in this machine (plus the continued improvements) leave no doubt about the full scope of what's on offer here. Dyson take care of your machine via free servicing, which is recommended every 3-6 months at service centres or via freepost. So, when it comes to the question of whether you should choose a V8 or a dirt cheap alternative, best to let K Mart do birthdays, and Dyson do vacuums.

"But I don't want a big, clunky vacuum."

Well, forgiving the shameless One Direction plug, the V8 is perfect- perfect for you. At just 2.5kg and with a 0.54litre bin, it's extremely light footed on floors and supremely light handed in handheld mode. The rotating wheels make the head really easy to move and swivel, whether in corners, on carpets or hard floors. Switch to the fluffy roller head on hard floors for a smoother ride and better performance.

So why is the V8 popular?

Flexibility - The V8 Absolute exclusively offers 2 specialized floor heads for carpets and hard floors, one of which can be used on all surfaces. All V8's can be used in handheld mode with different attachments (such as the mini anti screw tool, main floor heads for stairs or multiple attachments, depending on what model you buy). Everything is super easy to detach and reattach, including the cyclone, filters and bin. Dyson have red tabs which you press and they quickly release. Weight - Lightweight and very manoeuverable on floors and surfaces. Power - With power comes performance, and with up to 115 AW of suction, it's compact yet powerful, with 40 mins battery in high suction mode and up to 6 mins in max power mode.

"I don't need a colour change; I'm happy with the old V8 thank you very much!"

News flash; the V8 hasn't just changed colours; it has made things better. That star shaped filter you see is now flat, and easier to clean (as the top separates from the filter, and the previous plastic skeleton has been sacked). When we say flat, this helps big time when emptying your bin, as giving it a tap helps empty the cyclone of fine dust and prevent build up. Before, you were tapping a curved area which was a little awkward. Do it outside though and away from your body if you plan on doing this.

"But I have dogs, cats and a long haired family. Can this vacuum deal with all this?"

Absolutely: pet owners and hair dressers get in line, as Dyson have significantly improved their motorbar cleaner head, adding anti tangle vanes. Effectively, it's a comb that detangles pet and human hair. You also get a similar effect on the new anti screw tool, improving performance. From pillows to pet stations, you'll see the difference; its amazing what this vacuum will pick up! Finally, the HEPA filters (this type is exclusive to the V8 Absolute) isn't just there to look pretty; they serve a greater purpose, protecting your health and your home against nasty allergens. The photos show what was picked up in the way of debris and human hair with the general motorbar on hard floors; there is some minor tangle on the head, but when you see the amount hair tangled in the bin (plus the debris and fine dust) it's clear the V8 has done a stellar job.

What sets this V8 apart?

The HEPA filter. Sporting a turquoise like green, this lean and green vacuum cleaning machine filters 99.7% of particles down to 0.1 microns. If your family suffer from allergies, a HEPA filter on your vacuum is a must. It not only captures the likes of pollen, fine dust, mould, mites and pet dander, it then churns out HEPA filtered air. I don't know about you, but we reckon that's kinda big. It also outdoes the other V8s, which capture 99.7% of particles down to 0.3 microns. Good luck finding that on your K Mart vacuum cleaner...

The soft fluffy roller head. If you have hard floors and you want a specific head to get up more debris and fine dust and add an extra layer of protection, Dyson have the answer. The soft nylon brush and a fluffy strip offer the extra security you need and the pick up power is extremely impressive; making the Absolute the clear choice if you have predominantly hard floors. TOP TIPS: + Don't forget to gently remove any hair on the axles of the fluffy roller or the wheels with a penknife or scissors; heavy build up will make it harder to steer. + If you are vacuuming long strands of hair, make sure you clear your roller from it after each clean to avoid damaging the material. You can also tap the floor head gently over a bin and spin the roller to remove any caught up debris. Use gloves. + Switching to MAX power in such instances where there is a heavy build up of long hair strands will reduce tangling on your fluffy roller and protect it from getting damaged.

"What about all these supposed issues with Dyson's that people raise, like the battery and the machine cutting out?"

It's seriously loaded, this question, as people also raise how well Dyson's perform.

Regarding the machine cutting out... A high powered machine that is ingesting all sorts of nasty stuff is going to need a little TLC. The good news is that it's not a big deal; --Your machine pulsating is often caused by a blockage or a dirty filter, which blocks the airflow of the machine. So, in real terms, it just needs unblocking. Dyson added this as a safety feature on the machine to alert you to the issue. --Check your wand, the mouth of your floor head and the bin entry inlet for any blockages. --Use tweezers to remove any curled up fluff on the floor head axles. --Don't overfill your bin past the max line. --Tap your cyclone top when emptying the bin outside to loosen the fine dust. --Wash your filter regularly and never put on wet to avoid damage to the machine's motor. --Clear debris caught in the anti tangle comb with a narrow tool such as a flathead screwdriver. Once you are aware of these things, issues such as pulsating can be easily resolved.

Regarding the battery... --High suction mode should be more than enough for everyday vacuuming, particularly if your machine is clean and blockage free and you are using the best floor head. --Max power is your super side kick for spot cleaning - think 30 seconds--1 min max for really stubborn dirt. It's not designed for permanent use, but against Dyson's advice, people often use this mode permanently. The result of this may be early battery degradation. --Keep it out extreme sunlight --Let it run down once a month. --The trigger saves you power from using only when you need.

"What about all those tools, isn't this just a gimmick to get you to pay more?"

Absolutely not. James Dyson is firmly against gimmicks; for example, the slim fluffy head (that is used from the V12 upwards) doesn't have a light like cheaper vacuum heads that reveals very little. Rather, it has a laser, that literally illuminates fine dust, so you can see and eliminate it. So it goes here; every tool is fit for purpose. -The anti-screw tool is great for pet stations, cars, couches, pillows and more, improving on its excellent predecessor with its untangling technology for hair. -As for storage, the wall dock allows you to charge and safely store your machine. However, we do think it's high time Dyson launched a stand for the V8. -There's more tools, including a combi brush and crevice tool, which get forgotten by some. -But when you start to utilize the V8 in handheld mode, with good power, you will find you can dust, remove crumbs, dust fan blades, ledges and all sorts. -One of my favourite uses when cleaning is doing inside cupboards with the crevice tool to rid of hairs, creepy crawlies, debris and dust.

"But there are much cheaper vacuums and money is tight."

There are cheaper vacuums, but current sales of $549 (usually $999) aside, ask yourself...

-What is the battery power like? -Does it have a HEPA filter? -How easy is it to clean? -What sort of warranty is offered? -What is the build quality like? - How effective is the floor head on all floors?

Cheaper can end up costing more in the long run. Fix your eyes on the value of the product, what warranty is offered etc and how that stacks up to Dyson. There are payment options available as well such as Afterpay, Zip pay etc.

"Will this thing scare off the pets?" All pets are different, so while this can't be answered specifically, the Dyson V8 has been designed with acoustic dampening. As a result, in high suction mode the levels are very controlled so it is unlikely. On Max power mode, it is noisy, but this mode is for limited use only and is therefore to be expected; your pets in this instance are more than likely to do a runner!

Conclusion

Long live the king; for all the reasons we have mentioned, we feel the V8 Absolute is a slam dunk vacuum. In particular, if you want powerful performance and maximum versatility wrapped up in a quiet, compact bundle. Get it on sale, and you'll be even happier. But even at the regular price, first things first, you get a vacuum with an incredibly powerful HEPA filter that better protects your families health against nasty allergens; if you are someone like me who is passionate about good health, for this reason alone, you won't regret it.

Great as a hand held vacuum, portable & pet friendly! – The Dyson V8 is an extremely popular vacuum for power (115AW), flexibility (as a handheld or floor-based cordless vacuum) weight (2.5kg) and for 40mins battery. After my V7 was a V11 Outsize, but I still had a V8 on the shopping list. Why? With more powerful suction (15AW extra) and 10 mins extra battery, for cleaning surfaces and inside cupboards… Read more ·  1

without the top-heavy weight, the V8 is still the top option (with the V12 also scrapping for the limelight!) This is often why some customers own more than one of them…

V8; OLD vs NEW First and second generation V8 differences include; —An easier to remove (star shaped) filter unit, a silver coloured cyclone and, crucially, an improved motorbar, with plastic combs for detangling pet hair from the brush bar. —The original quick release mini tool is replaced by the current anti-screw tool.

THE SMALL PRINT How do keep your V8 at its best? —With the battery, don’t use overkill on max. Officially, it’s for ‘intensive bursts’ only. If it’s running hot, let it cool down. —Wash your filter and rotate with a spare one. —Tap the cyclone’s top when emptying the bin to clear fine dust. Kudos to Dyson here; with a new (flat) filter top to tap, it’s easier and safer, too. —Clear blockages; don’t overfill the bin past the max line, check entrance points are clear and remove circular fluff from the side of the motorbar with tweezers. —Three battery lights will guide you towards your 5 hour recharge. Let it run down once a month, also. Keep it out of strong sunlight. —Proper cleaning and maintenance of your machine should ensure high suction mode is sufficient most of the time.

HEPA FILTRATION Second generation V8s (with a silver cyclones) have a purple filter and trap 99.99% of microscopic particles as small as 0.3 microns. The flagship V8 Absolute has a blue/green HEPA filter option, capturing 99.99% of particles as small as 0.1 microns. The washable filter is reusable for a lifetime.

HEADS Another reason the V8 attracts attention is the suction power. Unlike the older V8 head, the new motorbar has hair detangling vanes. Performance is excellent, barely missing a beat and more than a match for threads, hair and fine dust. Admittedly, while more awkward to clean, it’s a fair trade off. The older quick release mini motorhead is available with this model. Great for pet stations, pillows, your car or couch, it requires more snapping and unwinding of hair and threads. The latest incarnation of this mini masterpiece (known as an anti-screw tool) improves on its excellent predecessor, preventing heavy build up of hair and threads around the roller. It is available with the V8 Extra (but not the V8 Origin Extra.) The Dyson V8 Absolute offers the popular soft fluffy roller head option for hard floors and the anti-screw tool.

TOOLS V8s come with a range of different tools with a red tab (V6 tools have no tab or a grey tab.) —The combi brush and crevice tool are the most common, on all variants, including the V8 and Absolute models. —The V8 Origin Extra has a soft dusting brush (good for keyboards). —The V8 Extra has an up top/down under tool* that rotates. —The V8 Origin Extra Plus (featured here in this review) is discontinued.

WALL MOUNT / CHARGER A Dyson wall mount stand is available, fitting the V7 and V8 in all forms. The plug remains the same between V6-V8, but the V6 wall mount is different.

SUMMARY Overall, the V8 is a great introduction to Dyson. The elephant in the room for the naysayers is max power been used as a permanent option, rather than for spot cleaning when required, as it should be. The tell tale sign is when the switch is not returned to high suction; this is as daily as bread from my experiences with household machines. This can then lead to battery and performance issues. In reality, high suction mode (if you clean and maintain your machine) does the job just fine. Blaming the battery or machine isn’t a fair critique; although bigger models do have solutions if power and battery life doesn’t meet your needs. If you can’t resist over indulging on max power or if you really do find your house volume or condition overbearing, then opt for a V10 or, better still, a V11. The flip side is that for many folks (take a medium sized, double storey, 3 bedroom house for instance with carpet and tiles) the V8 rips it up. Assured on carpet, easy on tiles (admittedly it slides a bit, but this is a better bet than something sluggish and hard to manoeuvre). Appealing greatly due to its flexibility and weight, it’s super easy to to carry up the stairs or halfway across the house, for example. For those reasons, you may find this better than the larger models (from the V10 to Gen 5). If you have pets or a very hairy clan, the V8 is now better then ever at tackling allergens and pet hair, and delivers. Where the bigger Dyson's come into their own is by providing you with a bigger bin, better handling and even more power. These are big factors when purchasing a new vacuum, and as a result, for all the right reasons, this sucker will be gracing homes for many years to come.

Unleashing Cordless Power” – The Dyson V8 Extra vacuum impresses with its powerful performance and convenient cordless design. Boasting a robust digital motor, it efficiently tackles dirt and debris on various surfaces. The V8 Extra’s versatile attachments, including a HEPA filter, make it adept at handling different cleaning tasks. With a battery life of up to 40 minutes, it… Read more

provides ample time for thorough cleaning sessions. The hygienic bin emptying system ensures mess-free disposal. While its price tag is higher than some competitors, the V8 Extra justifies the investment with its top-notch suction and user-friendly features. If you seek a reliable and high-performing cordless vacuum, the Dyson V8 Extra stands out as a compelling choice.

Ok but not sure about the new motorbar feature – Just bought a new V8 Origin which has the new Motorbar Cleaner Head which claims to have 56 hair removal vanes. I don't know how effective it is. It seems to make a really really loud rattling noise when using it on tiles or wood. And when using it on carpet, leaves a whole lot of groove marks on the weave. Has anybody else experienced this? Maybe i have a faulty head? Dyson advised it's normal :/ I've attached a video. Show details

A Nightmare Experience with Dyson NZ – Multiple Charges, No Help, and Silence On Saturday, 28 June, I tried to buy a battery and wand from Dyson New Zealand’s online store. When I clicked “Place Order,” I received an error saying: "Requested order quantity is not available in stock." The page didn’t confirm payment or redirect—just left the “Place… Read more

Order” button active. Thinking the order hadn’t gone through, I tried again 3–4 times.

After waiting over 40 minutes on live chat, I was told three duplicate orders had been created but were now cancelled. I was also told the battery was the wrong model and was sent a link to the correct one (out of stock). I appreciated the help and even left positive feedback.

However, days later, I received order confirmation emails—despite being told all orders were cancelled. I contacted Dyson again on 30 June via chat and was given the same false assurance.

By Monday, I saw that my credit card had been charged 4 times (NZ$218 each) for the same order. Then came shipping notifications on 1 and 2 July, showing that cancelled orders had been dispatched anyway.

I called Dyson on 3 July, only to be told it was too late to cancel and I’d have to return the items manually after delivery.

Today (7 July), I received 2 parcels, but each contained only one part (the wand)—not the full order. I asked Dyson via Facebook Messenger:

If I return these two parcels, will I get 2 x NZ$218 refunded?

No reply. Nothing. Silence.

This entire process has been frustrating, time-wasting, and unacceptable. Multiple system errors, false promises, duplicate charges, inconsistent service, and now no response at all.

I expected far better from a brand like Dyson.

We previously had a Dyson barrel vacuum which was wonderful. This one, isn't. I can't believe they call it a Dyson. I saw it's on sale and some people (presumably paid for their posts) are raving about it. DON'T FALL FOR THE HYPE. Reasons not to buy: * this vacuum is LOUD. It's much louder than the previous vacuum and the sound is so annoying,… Read more

it's horrible. * Charging is unreliable. Hit and miss and doesn't last as long as you'd think so you stop what you're doing and put it on to charge again. * Suction sucks. In fact if it sucked up dust etc as much as it sucks (cr#p), we'd be laughing. But it doesn't, so it sucks in a bad way. * OVERPRICED AT HALF THE PRICE. We paid more than you'd pay with the 50% off sale. But if you buy it, you'll still go, WHAT THE, THEY CALL THIS A DYSON.

It acts like a KMART ripoff but with the Dyson price tag. In fact it's so bad, I just bought the aldi stick vacuum so I had something to work when the Dyson is charging. Guess what? THE ALDI STICK IS BETTER. YOU MIGHT STILL GET ONE so save yourself $300-750 and the ALDI stick vacuum. It has a light too.

I bought this specific model as its the only one that would fit (mounted) in my cupboard where I had an electrical outlet installed by an electrician already.... the other Dysons are taller, I recommend checking them in store as this isn't a measurement they show online... Alternatively go for one of the other brands that uses a self supported… Read more ·  1

stand instead.. in hindsight perhaps that would have been safer.

Anyway, after I installed it today, I realise the V8 also needs a certainly amount of 'width' in the cupboard as it comes out on an angle to remove or store.. mine 'just' works.. I do feel like this is something that could be improved with the design of the mounting systems (which tbf has changed in newer models), but those newer models need more height so weren't an option for me.

I will report back on the vacuum itself after a few months or years, I mean it works fine on prelimenary testing, and its more comfortable than the other Dysons which are less balanced in the hand, I learnt that in just a few minutes in an appliance store.

I honestly did days of research into vacuums, you can find a persuasive review or argument for a number of brands... but there are also horror stories for every brand too.. in the end the V8 is really well priced, the Absolute has the extra hard floor head which I dont plan to use because the other ones works on all surfaces well enough for my needs so far.. but its not as powerful as the models that cost 2x or 3x the money.. so whether you need that is up to you. Also what I saw in my research, was that vacuums die sometimes unexpectedly (all brands) so if you do pay more, understand that means more money lost if it fails... this goes for many modern day appliances...

As my first cordless vacuum, the Dyson V8 has been disappointing. Despite the brand’s reputation, it feels heavier than expected, the suction is underwhelming, the battery life is short, and the recharge time is long. While I understand it’s an older model, my expectations , especially for the price , were much higher. My upright corded vacuum performs far better, for half of the price. The only real positives are the useful accessories included. Show details

Worst vacuum and Service EVER Purchased V8 just under 2 months ago and noticed the roller on vacuum head stopped working contacted Dyson and requested 3 videos of vacuum turned on Despite the videos they refused to refund me Demanding I ship it back to their warehouse for Dyson to assess the lemon I purchased Was told it would take minimum 14… Read more

days for refund and assessment of machine In the meantime I’m stuck without a vacuum living with dirty carpets as I requested a vacuum cleaner till refund comes through and have denied Worst customer service Worst vacuum cleaner ever Find another brand !!

By far the worst of the dyson stick vacs. Whilst good suction, dirt, hair or other particles quickly build up in filter compartment reducing this greatly. Not easy to clean out this area eather and takes careful removal wasting time. Dyson really need to look at not just suction but easy access to its machines for quick maintenance on all parts of… Read more

ther vacuums. Also need to invest more in battery technology as the vacuum very quickly drains power if on high setting. 40 minute operating time is a bit of a stretch in their imaginations as honestly more like 25 mins if being used in normal circumstances. Wouldn't buy again as waste to much time cleaning out internal filter section.

Fantastic suction. Nice easy to use design. Very convenient. Battery life dies rapidly, to a point where it is unusable... Had to buy an adapter to take a Makita battery, which gave it another couple of years of use. They need to be kept very clean of fine dust and the filters must be cleaned regularly. If their battery was a lot better, I would definitely give another star. Overall, I was a bit dissapointed and all the hype. Show details

Bought this two weeks ago after reading through all positive reviews. My first hand experience after using for few times is not so great mainly because of the battery/duration of the suction. It hardly comes 10-12 mins on max vacuum per full charge and the charging takes nearly 3 full hours for a full charge. My first choice was to buy another… Read more

battery as this short duration not going to work in all practicality. Dyson charges $150 for new battery but that’s not the only issue as we figured it out replacing battery is not easy too and so we dropped the idea to buy an additional battery. I wonder why on earth everyone praising this vaccum…it’s a poor decision and no value for the $398 spend on this machine. Please reconsider if you are looking for one.

the vacuum is great when the battery is working but it only goes for 5 minutes on hi give me a break!!! I went to see them to complain as I have 3 stick vacuums all only go for 5 minutes and they said yes that is right it is not fit for purpose most houses need at least 20 mins so you need to know the battery lasts 5 minutes!!!! I have another… Read more

I purchased about 18 mths ago as obviously if doing a whole house I need to this is not right!build a battery that lasts the distance

We’ve had this product for approx 7 years but it’s on its second battery now. It’s got great suction power and can do the entire house in one charge. It’s no where near as noisy as the V7 unit. Only recently the pole attachment has loosened and created a pinch point, hurt my finger a few times now. Show details

I've been using my V8 for over 4 years now, and its held up shockingly well considering the amount of times my kids have dropped it and how little we've done to keep it maintained (wife might have cleaned the filter three times). Its not the most powerful vacuum on the market and the bin isnt large, but its a bloody good vacuum that we use everyday and gets the job done. Show details ·  1